His warning comes after dozens of people were reported to have been brutally killed in an ethnically targeted attack in the southeastern state of Al-Jazeera, and amid reports of impending fighting for control of the country’s capital, Khartoum. It was done.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been fighting what Turk called a “senseless war” since April 2023.
a hopeless situation worsens
He noted that direct and ethnically motivated attacks against civilians have become increasingly common as they “vie for control at all costs.”
“The situation for civilians in Sudan is already dire, and there is evidence of war crimes and other atrocious crimes. I fear the situation is heading in a much more dangerous direction.” he said.
attack on camp
His office, OHCHR, recorded at least 21 people killed last week alone in just two attacks on the Al Jazeera camp, about 40 kilometers from the regional capital Wad Madani.
However, the actual number of attacks on civilians and civilian deaths is likely to be much higher.
On January 10, at least eight civilians were killed and at least 13 women and one man were abducted in an attack on Taiba camp. Houses were burned, livestock, crops and other property were looted, and dozens of families were displaced.
The next day, at least 13 civilians, including two boys, were killed in an attack on Kamsa camp.
authorities promise to investigate
The attack was carried out as part of the SAF’s efforts to retake Wad Madani. Reports suggest these were carried out by the Sudanese Shield Force, led by former RSF commander Abu Akra Keikal, who defected to the other side last October.
The attack reportedly targeted the Kannabi people, a historically marginalized group comprised primarily of the Nuba people and other African tribes.
Turk noted that Sudanese authorities have promised to thoroughly investigate the attack, bring those responsible to justice and establish a commission of inquiry.
“Retaliatory attacks with shocking brutality against entire communities based on real or perceived ethnic identity are on the rise, as are hate speech and incitement to violence. This must end immediately. “No,” he said.
Violence captured on video
OHCHR received three videos documenting scenes of violence, including an unlawful killing. They were reportedly photographed in Wad Medani, where men in SAF uniforms were clearly present.
In the video, the victims are dehumanized and called slurs such as “wasek” (filth), “afan” (mold), “beheema” (animal) and “abna edeihu” (bastards), while the perpetrators Summary executions were welcomed. ‘Nadafa’ (cleaning activities).
Concerns about North Darfur
Serious concerns also remain for civilians in North Darfur, where ethnically motivated attacks by the RSF and allied Arab militias against ethnic Africans, particularly the Zaghawa and Far peoples, continue to take a horrific toll. .
Separately, on January 13, a drone attack allegedly launched by the SAF on a market in Ombada Dar es Salaam Square, an area controlled by the RSF, killed around 120 civilians in Omdurman. More than 150 people were reportedly injured.
end the battle
Mr. Turk reiterated his call for an end to the fighting and for the belligerents to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
He also warned that a surge in militia recruitment and mobilization of fighters, primarily along ethnic lines, risks sparking wider civil war or inter-communal violence.
Appeal to the belligerent side
“SAF and RSF are responsible for the actions of the groups and individuals who fight for them,” he said.
“We will take immediate steps to ensure the protection of all civilians, including taking all practicable steps to avoid or at least minimize harm to civilians from hostilities,” he said. I asked.
He added that prompt, independent, fair and transparent investigations into all reports of violations and abuses are critical.
